Poll Watcher Guidelines

Who may appoint poll watchers?

Each political party – political party means an organization which nominates candidates for public office

Each candidate in a general or primary election

Any citizens’ organization interested in a question on the ballot

Any citizens’ organization interested in the integrity of the election process

How many poll watchers may be appointed?

Political parties may appoint two (2) poll watchers

Each candidate may appoint one (1) or more poll watchers. Although multiple poll watchers may be appointed to observe at a given polling place, only one (1) appointed poll watcher may be on duty in a polling place at any given time.

Each citizens’ organization may appoint two (2) poll watchers; however, the Davidson County Election Commission (DCEC) may require the organization to produce evidence that they are entitled to appoint watchers.

How are poll watchers appointed?

Appointments must be submitted to the DCEC in writing and be signed by the person or organization authorized to make the appointment.

Appointments may designate the same person to serve in more than one polling location.

A poll watcher must be age seventeen (17) or older by Election Day.

A poll watcher does not have to live in Davidson County.

To what locations may poll watchers be appointed?

Early Voting

Davidson County Election Commission offices; and/or

Satellite location(s);

Nursing home(s);

Penal institution(s)

Election Day

Precinct polling locations

Absentee Counting Board

Post-Election Day

Provisional Counting Board

When must appointments be submitted to the DCEC?

Early Voting

No later than noon (12 p.m.) two (2) business days before the first day of Early Voting; or

No later than noon (12 p.m.) two (2) business days before the poll watcher will be present at the early voting site

Election Day

No later than noon (12 p.m.) two (2) business days before the election

Post-Election Day

No later than noon (12 p.m.) two (2) business days before the poll watcher will be present at the Provisional Counting Board

Who may NOT be appointed as a poll watcher?

Anyone who will be or who is a candidate for an office on the ballot

The spouse of a candidate

DCEC members

What must poll watchers do upon arriving at the polls?

Display his/her appointment to the Officer of Elections

Sign the poll watcher register

Wear a badge displaying his/her name, the appointing organization’s name and the words “POLL WATCHER.” The DCEC will provide badges for candidates or organizations to give to their poll watchers, so all Poll Officials know they have been duly appointed. Poll watchers must wear the badges at all times they are in a polling place.